Method and system for initiating real-time kinematic network operations

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention recite methods and systems for expediting the initiating of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) network operations. In one embodiment, an RTK base station is disposed at a known location. A broadcast position of the RTK base station is then determined. In embodiments of the present invention, the determining of the broadcast position does not require using the geographic coordinates of said known location.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the present invention relate to land surveying. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to expediting the initiation of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) operations.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is a collective term for a variety of satellite navigation systems which use orbiting satellites as navigation reference points to determine position fixes on the ground. GNSS includes the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay (EGNOS), Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS), the Wide Area Augmentation Service (WAAS), and the Compass system. GNSS is increasingly used in a wide variety of applications including surveying.[0003]In typical civilian applications, a single GNSS receiver can measure a ground position with a precision of about ten meters. This is,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach significantly reduces the time needed to initiate RTK systems, minimizes operator errors, and enhances the reliability of RTK operations by eliminating the need for manual data entry and fragile connections.

Problems solved by technology

This is, in part, due to various error contributions which often reduce the precision of determining a position fix.

For example, as the GNSS signals pass through the ionosphere and troposphere, propagation delays may occur.

Other factors which may reduce the precision of determining a position fix may include satellite clock errors, GNSS receiver clock errors, and satellite position errors (ephemeredes).

However, because the precise geographic coordinates have not been programmed into RTK base station 105, there is a degree of error associated with the position broadcast by RTK base station 105, as well as the position calculated by RTK rover unit 120 based upon the broadcast position of RTK base station 105.

Among the drawbacks of initiating and operating an RTK system as described above is the amount of time needed to properly program both RTK base station 105 and RTK rover unit 120.

In addition to the time required for these steps to be performed, there is also the possibility of inadvertent operator error in programming the geographic coordinates of known position 105.

Additionally, there are often problems with communicatively coupling GIS data collector 111 with RTK base station 105 and / or RTK rover unit 120.

However, the serial cables used to communicatively couple GIS data collector 111 with base station 105, or RTK rover unit 120 are prone to breaking, particularly the pins in the cable connectors.

Due to the relatively high cost of these cables (e.g., around $200 each) it is not likely that the operator carries spare cables as a backup.

Additionally, sometimes the operator may erroneously re-program RTK base station 105 when attempting to program RTK rover unit 120 if the proper procedure is not followed.

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